Marl Hall Woods

Marl Hall Woods is a delightful ancient semi-natural woodland with stunning displays of rare and beautiful wild flowers in the spring and summer and dazzling autumn colour. Its prominent location provides great views across the Conwy Valley and a range of historical features adds further interest to the visitor experience.

Located above and below a limestone cliff overlooking Llandudno Junction, Marl Hall Woods is a prominent landscape feature in the lower Conwy Valley; with an extensive network of paths (including a public footpath) and woodland for visitors to explore.

Visible throughout much of the valley, Marl Hall Woods is home to a variety of native trees including abundant oak and pine, while the range of flowering plants includes the elegant pyramidal orchid, the flamboyant viper’s bugloss and swathes of bluebell, ramson and snowdrop in the spring. Wildlife species include the great spotted woodpecker, jay and the iridescent green cistus forester moth.

The ancient woodland retains a number of interesting historical features having once been part of the grounds of Marle Hall; currently a residential outdoor education centre run by Warwickshire County Council. Additionally, Marl Hall Woods is part of the Creuddyn Peninsula Woods Special Area of Conservation and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated for the quality of its woodland and for the grassland and species it supports.

There are a variety of paths throughout the wood, with easier access in the lower wood at the cliff base and more challenging terrain in the upper wood which is reached via a steep path. However, this beautiful and engaging site has much to offer visitors of all ages and abilities with plenty to see and experience.

Marl Hall Woods takes its name from the nearby Marle Hall, which was originally owned by the Holland family in the medieval era right up to the early 1600s.

Setting

The Woods are located on the edge of Llandudno Junction on the eastern side of the Conwy estuary opposite the mediaeval town of Conwy. It is said that the bright white of the site's cliffs was once used as a navigational aid for sailors entering the estuary. The wood remains a prominent landscape feature today, overlooking Llandudno Junction and the nearby North Wales Expressway.

Directions

By busA frequent bus service 5/X5 travels between Llandudno and Bangor / Caernarfon via Llandudno Junction railway station. Other services visiting Llandudno Junction include 9 (Llangefni – Bangor – Llandudno) and 19 (Betws y Coed – Llanrwst – Llandudno); while local services include 12 to Rhyl and 73 to Llandudno. A bus stop is located close to the westernmost entrance to the wood.

By trainThe nearest railway station is at Llandudno Junction, almost 1km to the south. To walk to the woods, cross Conwy Road outside the station and turn right. After less than 100m turn left into Marl Drive and follow this road in a northerly direction until it eventually runs parallel with the A470 and reaches a junction on the right to a roundabout on the A470. At the roundabout cross the A470 (take care - this is a very busy road) and go straight on into Marl Lane. After 50m cross Marl Lane to a minor entrance into Marl Hall Woods, or continue another 300m to the main entrance at the wood’s car park.

For further information on public transport, contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

By carMarl Hall Woods are located at the edge of Llandudno Junction on the eastern side of the Conwy estuary, opposite the medieval town of Conwy. Exiting the A55 North Wales expressway at junction 19, take the A470 northwards towards Llandudno. Follow for just over 1.5km and on reaching the next roundabout, turn right into Narrow Lane and continue for 100m before bearing left into Marl Lane. After a further 150m the entrance to the wood’s car park will be seen on right.

The site can be accessed via a number of public footpaths from the town.

Nearest amenities

Public conveniencesThe nearest public toilets are in Llandudno Junction. There is one RADAR-accessible toilet at Osborne Road car park in Llandudno Junction, and four in the town of Conwy about 1.5km to the west. Some are open only April – September, but the toilets on the quay are always open. There are baby-changing facilities in the Morfa Bach car park, Llanrwst Road, Gyffin, Conwy.